Executive Talent Acquisition Research Consultant

Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid. At Visa, youll have the opportunity to create impact at scale — tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world. Join Visa and do work that matters – to you, to your community, and to the world. Progress starts with you.

Team Summary

The Executive Talent Acquisition (ETA) team at Visa plays a strategic role in shaping the company’s leadership pipeline and driving its long-term vision. This team manages full-cycle executive recruitment globally, from sourcing and market mapping to candidate assessment and onboarding, ensuring Visa hires the right leaders to support Visa’s growth.

Visa is seeking a talented Research Consultant for Executive Talent Acquisition based in Dubai, to support our rapidly growing CEMEA Region. As a global leader in payments and technology, Visa offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment, committed to developing talent and fostering innovation. This role is central to identifying and engaging top executive talent, ensuring Visa continues to shape the future of payments across diverse markets.

Key Responsibilities

Delivery Excellence:

• Lead executive search research, market mapping, talent profiling, and analysis for Executive Talent Acquisition across the CEMEA region.
• Support Executive TA Recruiters with leadership appointments, managing all stages of the hiring process in accordance with local best practices.
• Creatively source top executive talent from relevant industries, leveraging networks common in the region
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with top executive professionals in the market to consider for future executive roles
• Prepare and present progress reports, documents, and market analyses tailored for senior leaders and executive stakeholders.

Strategic Advisory Approach:

• Advise hiring managers and executives with insightful market intelligence, including notable appointments within the financial services, technology, and payments sectors across the region.
• Monitor industry developments in the region and proactively share talent and market trends with stakeholders
• Support executive briefings with relevant market research, adding strategic value to talent acquisition initiatives.

Knowledge Management & Special Projects:

• Prepare and maintain reference materials (e.g., reports, target lists) for team and client updates, aligning with global processes and local business expectations.
• Lead specific projects assigned by the CEMEA Executive Talent Acquisition Leader and Global Head of Research.
• Champion Visa’s employer brand as the preferred destination for exceptional executive talent.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant work experience, or an advanced degree with 2+ years’ experience, or a PhD with relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years’ experience in Executive Search, including comprehensive knowledge of research, talent mapping and shortlist processes.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex research projects within an international Executive Search environment, ideally with exposure to the CEMEA region
• Strong prioritization skills, capable of managing multiple projects under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Robust analytical and evaluation skills, with a deep understanding of market data.
• Passion for FinTech and emerging technologies, with a desire to become a subject matter expert in payments and digital innovation.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to build relationships with senior-level professionals both within Visa and externally, leveraging local networks and professional associations.
• Proven ability to communicate insights effectively and influence executive hiring decisions through compelling oral and written communication.
• Empathetic, constructive, and collaborative approach, with a flexible mindset and partnership mentality.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable with ambiguity and driving results in a fast-evolving market.
  
  

Visa is an EEO Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.